America is not known for persecution but there is a lot of hate and racism. God has not forgotten and will deal with those individuals and hate groups. Nothing happens that the Lord Jesus doesn't know about. In these last days, turmoil will be in this land like never before. Many pastors have not prepared the sheep for what is to come.
We (in the U.S.) have the advantage of assembling and worshipping freely. In communists countries like China, church service is held underground. Not to mention, these churches are not registered because it is illegal. Pastors have risked their lives and freedom for the sake of the gospel. These are true servants for the kingdom of God. According to opendoors.org, there was a "World Watch List 2023" created by ranking where Christians face extreme persecution. Imagine this happening in America, a lot of believers would not be able to endure.
A few countries by ranking:
Ranked #1 is North Korea where 98% of Christians are arrested after house churches were discovered.
Ranked #6 is Nigeria where Christians are brutally attacked in the Northern region.
Ranked #9 is Afghanistan, in 2022 the Taliban took over and Christian converts remain in hiding.
Ranked #16 is China, the use of digital technology is used to surveillance to monitor suspected Christians.
Other statistics from 2022 show that:
5, 621 Christians were murdered.
2,110 churches attacked.
4, 542 Christians detained.
During the reign of Emperor Nero in ancient Rome, he was known for persecution of the early Christians. He had them arrested, rounded up in and thrown to wild animals where they brutally died. During Jesus' ministry, He taught and warned the disciples that this would happen in the future.
As believers in Christ, we have to stay close to the Lord and pray more than ever. Many won't be able to endure because they are not rooted in the Word and are far away from God. Unfortunately, there will also be suicide among the Christian community.
DO NOT DENY CHRIST BY ANY MEANS!
The Lord says, "I will and have started bringing some of My children home to enjoy their eternal home and rewards. The persecution of the church is written in My Word. People won't endure sound doctrine due to the rise of false prophets and false teachers. They tickle the ears of those who will listen and are workers of iniquity. On that day, I will say unto them, depart from Me, I never knew you. Many will be arrested for preaching the gospel. You shall be hated by all nations for My name sake but fear not because I am always with you. When they deliver you up to be afflicted, remember I am at your side holding your hand."
Matthew 24:9 KJV-Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
Matthew 7:23 KJV-And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
James 1:12 KJV-Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Mark 13:13 KJV-And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
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